CHAPTER SIX

CLARIFYING PERSEVERANCE

Greek scholars tell us that the aorist tense reflects action at a point, not continuous action. The aorist may refer to the start or end of something or the action considered as a whole from a distance (of time, perhaps). The present and imperfect tenses both imply continuous action.

Many Christian thinkers prefer the term “perseverance” over “once-saved-always-saved,” because they believe the popular term creates a “point-action” idea rather than a continuous one. In other words, genuine salvation results in a disciple who continues to follow Jesus and to be transformed again and again toward His likeness.

While I acknowledge the possibility when pressed, I don’t like the assumption that if one sincerely walks down the aisle and commits to Christ, he will go to heaven regardless of what else he does. As I said in Chapter One, strictly speaking I believe he can if he is sincere. But in reality, a real experience with Christ is life-changing and continues throughout life.

Perseverance points to sanctification. Big words, but big meaning. Sanctification is the process of making a person holy or set apart. Christian discipleship means growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 tells us that God began a good work in us when we were saved, and He will go on bringing that work to completion as long as we live. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.

How does that work out in practice? Look at Galatians 5:22 where Paul speaks of the “fruits of the Spirit.” The first three are love, joy, and peace. The Lord is growing you to become a more loving person, to follow the command to love your neighbor as yourself. If you’ve been a Christian for 10 years, you should feel and act more warmly toward people than you once did. You should be a more and more happy person with a positive outlook as your faith grows. Others should see in you a deep peace that comes from increasing maturity and the ability to trust God.

Ponder those three, then read the rest of the list. Where do you see growth. In which areas are you finding no fruit in your life, or little fruit. Are you resisting the Spirit’s attempt to bestow these on you? Or have you never thought about it?